VPM-60TE Tile Extruding Vacuum Power Wedger

$8,849.USD

Based on the standard VPM-60, the VPM-60TE has incorporated several advancements including variable speed control, state-of-the-art VFD technology, updated vacuum chamber, upgraded motor, additional structural reinforcements and aggressive auger design that embellishes the quality and performance that our customers around the world have come to expect.

TILE NOZZLE WITH ADJUSTABLE TILE ADAPTER (INCLUDED)

Aggressive Stainless Steel Auger: The VPM-60TE aggressive auger design has been modified to accommodate the enormous back pressure generated as a result of extruding large amounts of clay through a small orifice (tile die/adapter).

Pugmill Output: Switch to PUG after a batch is completely mixed, and the Power Wedger unloads itself in the form of 3.5″ diameter deaired logs.

Vacuum Deaired: Each batch can be deaired by starting the vacuum pump during the last stage of mixing, leaving an air-free product when pugged out (no need to run the clay through the pugmill multiple times). Once the entire batch of clay has been deaired, switch the pugmill to PUG, and press start. Any remaining deaired clay in the machine can be stored for later use without having to remix or deair. Our patented vacuum design(Click here for full list of patents) allows us to deair the entire batch of clay without the use of cumbersome vacuum/shredding screens, or down time due to a clogged pugmill! No other mixing pugmill on the market matches the Peter Pugger’s effectiveness at deairing clay. We guarantee it!

Sealed Chamber: Here in our Northern California Factory, each pugmill casting has precision CNC machined o-ring grooves incorporated into them which allows the pugmill toeffectively store moist clay indefinitely!No other pugmill on the market provides this level of precision when it comes to properly sealing all pugmill surfaces.

Intellectual Mixing Technology: Real-time monitoring of clay consistency can be accomplished while mixing. Similar to an automatic transmission, the Pugger-Mixer can automatically speed up or slow down based on the hardness of the clay being processed. The operator can also control the speed by controlling the variable speed knob.

Patented Vacuum Chamber: The Patented Vacuum Chamber serves as a separation chamber between the processing chamber (where clay is mixed and pugged) and the gear drive system. In the event the pugmill is overfilled, the excess clay is collected in the vacuum chamber where it can be easily accessed and redirected back into the processing chamber in time for the next batch (if necesary). The Vacuum Chamber door is designed to disengage before excess clay can generate enough pressure to damage the gear drive system. This is a key design feature for mixing pugmills where clay is being forced up against the rear of the processing chamber during the mixing cycle. Peter Pugger is the only mixing pugmill to provide extra protection against vacuum and bearing seal exposure resulting in maintenance free operation (Click here for full list of patents).

Variable Speed Control: This allows the operator the ability to speed up or slow down the pugmill. This is especially useful when extruding through dies. Because of the back pressure generated by a large amount of clay being forced through a small orifice, the speed control allows the operator to slow the pugging as required. In turn, perfect deaired configurations are easily extruded through the Pugger-Mixer. There are additional advantages if you are a “single potter studio”. The ability to slow the pugging allows for time to place pugged clay into containers or bags.

Upgraded 3Hp Motor: In addition to the massive gear reduction the gearbox provides, an upgraded 3Hp motor has been designed into the VPM-60TE to provide ample power.

Tile Nozzle: The VPM-60TE has the ability to utilize the standard nozzle with a 3.5″ diameter pug or a tile nozzle with a 10″ wide x 2″ tall opening. Nozzles can be switched out by simply removing the four bolts that secures the nozzle to the cone.

Tile Nozzle Adjustable Adapter: The tile nozzle adapter allows the operator to adjust the tile thickness and width by simply loosening and sliding the guide plates to the desired dimensions.

Optional: Tile Retainer and Epoxy Inserts: A tile retainer which houses epoxy inserts can be mounted to the end of the tile nozzle for extruding consistent product from the VPM-60TE. An epoxy insert is created using a master of the desired configuration i.e. field tile, relief molding, and architectural pieces. Epoxy inserts are very durable (produce approximately 10,000-20,000 6″ x 6″ tiles) and fairly inexpensive.

On Wheels: The VPM-60 comes with 6″ diameter wheels. It is easily transported for cleaning and storage.

Work Surface: The motor and drive are enclosed for protection, cleanliness and safety. A stainless steel cleanable work surface is provided on top for convenience of the operator while loading.

The Power Wedger is the most versatile studio clay processing machine on the market today. It can perform a variety of functions efficiently, transforming clay in any form to a usable product. Some examples:

Mix moist clay from powder and water.

Reclaim scrap – wet or dry.

Blend two or more different bodies.

Add materials (wet or dry) to an already moist body.

Adjust moisture of an already wet body.

OR just mix a 25 lb. bag of clay – literally warm the clay by mixing it.

When the clay is adequately mixed, it can be deaired with vacuum and pugged out in the form of logs ready for use.

It is not necessary to continuously hand-feed the Power Wedger as with standard pugmills. Load a full batch, close the lid and turn it on – this eliminates exposure to moving paddles. The Power Wedger shuts off automatically when the lid is opened. All machines are equipped with a thermal overload for protection against overheating.

Vacuum is provided by a 1/2 HP double-headed rocking piston type diaphragm pump. These new technology pumps are the simplest and quietest vacuum source available. They are maintenance-free and long lasting. The VPM-60TE Power Wedger does not require a large vacuum pump because the clay is continuously exposed to vacuum in the sealed mixing chamber. Once the clay chamber is evacuated, the vacuum pump can be turned off.

The VPM-60TE comes with 6″ wheels so it can be easily moved to a cleaning site. With the removal of eight bolts, the entire nozzle and cone section can be removed so it can be conveniently washed off. The paddles are then easily accessed for cleaning. Cleaning is necessary only to avoid cross contamination. Since the machines are completely sealed, moist clay can be stored indefinitely without drying out.